Montessori Work

Here is some work T-man is doing at his Montessori. We had his parent teacher conference this week and while he is still easily distracted, he is making progress. He is also sharing his daily activities with us more which is nice. It is great to start to see him apply his learnings at home. I'm excited to see him shine in the coming months. Sent from my BlackBerry. Please forgive any typos.

Crazy Hair Day!

Sent from my BlackBerry. Please forgive any typos.

So Much to Celebrate

This past weekend, the Peavy family traveled to Nebraska to celebrate my Mom's retirement from Wayne State College and meet our new cousin and nephew. While the weather was less than ideal, we enjoyed time with family, playing cards (D-man keeps asking to play pitch), Popo's, Prom Grand March, celebrating my mom's many achievements, and my sister's venture into motherhood. As usual, the boys were great travelers and enjoyed time with their cousins (and were SO great with their new cousin). Marshall and I enjoyed time with my parents and sisters (and watching our boys with their cousins).

It was such an honor to be able to be at the Pi Gamma Mu dinner on Monday night to celebrate my Mom's achievements. From kind words from colleagues, notes from former students, funny "Jean" stories, and special attendees, it was a kind and wonderful tribute to Mom's many accomplishments. While I have always been proud of my Mom and her work, I don't think I can ever grasp the positive affect she has had on so many students, faculty members, and Wayne State College. I was just glad to be there to celebrate her with the rest of my family. Not only has she had a wonderful professional career, she and Dad have provided such a wonderful foundation for me and my two sisters. I only hope that when I retire, I can look back on my life and have as much to be proud of as she has.

so proud of my Mom!

getting to feed the new cousin

sisters!

sisters!

Karlen grandkids

the new Mom and son

bubble bath with cousins

How the Digestive System Works

Last week, we survived our first science fair project. D-man chose the digestive system after a trip to the Denver Museum of Science in February. The Sunday before the project was due, we made a trip back to the museum to take pictures and notes and then went to the library to get some research books. Although I was dreading the entire project, D-man did a great job and really learned a lot (and even had some fun).

At the end of the night before the project was due, D-man said "I've got some bacteria" after he passed some gas. Nothing like putting the knowledge to work and taking part in a little nerd humor. We all had a good laugh. 

On Thursday, D-man reviewed his science project with the school science teacher and D-man said that all the kids thought his project was disgusting.  Entertaining, disgusting, and learning something. Pretty cool.

Having fun with the digestive system

My Date Tonight

Tonight, D-man and I headed down to Monument to watch my cousin's daughter perform in "The Last Night in Ballyhoo". Although D-man didn't necessarily follow the store, he enjoyed watching the set changes, asking about funny lines and acts in the play ("did they really kiss Mom?"), and following along in the program. While we didn't get to chat with my cousin long, we were able to catch up quickly during intermission and it was great to see her and her family. Her daughter did a wonderful job and I'm so happy we were able to make it. D-man was a great date - I was so proud of his interest in the show as well as his patience after the show.

Lessons Learned on Spring Break

Even at our age, there is always something to learn.

1) Gaper Day is celebrated in earnest on April 1st at Arapahoe Basin ski resort.

2) Thrift stores continue to carry 80's ski apparel.

3) Zippo lighter fluid is an acceptable accelerant.

4) Putting a grill directly on the snow creates a fire pit without any effort.

5) TV weather personalities STILL get paid to not predict the weather.

6) The toy aisle at Target is an effective place to kill time.

7) Our children listen to and learn better from others (still).

8) It is still cold in March at the Continental Divide.

9) Eight people can spend 4 nights in a 2-bedroom condo and survive.

10) A swimming pool does open an hour after a kid takes a poo in the pool (not our kid).

This week, we were fortunate to spend spring break with our great friends at a ski condo in Keystone. We enjoyed great conversation, company, and food. Activities included sledding, swimming, hot tubbing, skiing, and a BBQ at "the beach"' at A Basin.

The most entertaining event was skiing at A Basin on April 1st, otherwise known as "Gaper Day".  Gaper Day is a huge party that has the skiers and snowboarders dressed in their craziest 80's ski gear. A huge party is also set up on "the beach" - BBQ's, music, couches, tents - everything and anything. Let's just say our kids got an education and my 16 year old skis were finally hip again.

Besides our 2.5 hours sitting on the interstate only to be turned around to hang out in Silverthorne at Target for 2 hours, the trip was a wonderful get-a-way. 

Day 1 skiing

Day 2 skiing

at "the beach"

day 3 skiing - T-man got down the big hill!